Quick Links and Public Meeting Update

Tuesday April 28, 2026 @5:00pm, City Council Chambers - The City will discuss its rational for the actions leading up to the decision made earlier this week as well as share its plan moving forward. 

Click here for a copy of the April 28,2026 staff report

Construction Updates

Removal of Tree I on Promenade (Posted May 1, 2026)

Link to Pathology Report 

From City Manager Dave Kiff:

I have more bad news, on a day during a week when we did not need more bad news.  There are two remaining Eucs in the central promenade area.  One is older (Tree I), and one is younger (Tree Q).  We had hoped to save Tree “I” from removal, but yesterday received a pathology report on it (attached).  It was adjacent to the tree (Tree J) that fell March 21-22, so we had both Tree J and Tree I studied.

The tree looks like this and is along the westerly side of the Promenade:

Tree I

Here is a diagram showing the trees’ letters. The blue boxes indicate retention of trees (except for now Tree I), and the yellow boxes indicate removals. 

Overhead Location Tree I

As of today, two arborists (see below) have recommended Tree I’s removal, and we are in the process of scheduling that via emergency tree removal provisions. Removal is likely to be tomorrow morning.  The sidewalk will likely be blocked near the tree until then to protect public safety.  This may involve a short-term closure of 2-3 businesses, so we are trying to address that with them (to either use back entrances or to close briefly).

From Monarch --

After reviewing the latest report from the pathologists at Waypoint, I am now much more concerned about the long-term viability and overall stability of Tree I. 

I was not previously aware that a fungal conk had been isolated from its root system, and even though the Waypoint team didn’t pinpoint the exact causal agent, almost all of the common wood decay fungi we work with belong to the Basidiomycota group. The fact that they also recovered Phytophthora is an entirely separate issue (not technically a fungus, it’s in Oomycota and more closely related to algae) as it is one of the primary causes of root rot. 

In light of this new information, I would have to concur with Katrina’s recommendation for removal. The hard part about this is estimating how long the tree may remain stable, but I would not recommend leaving it in place for long, given the sudden failure of Tree J and the confirmed presence of the same pathogen in each tree’s root system.  The overall poor appearance of Tree I’s canopy indicates that it is likely suffering the consequences of infection by these pathogens, and it is highly unlikely to reverse course and remain viable in the long term. 

As we discussed on Tuesday evening, this is both a regrettable and unavoidable process and decision.  I am very sorry that this has to be done.

Promenade Tree Update (Posted April 30, 2026)

At its April 28 meeting, the City Council received a presentation from staff explaining the process that led to the removal of the trees on the Promenade on April 20. The video is available here:

 

April 28, 2026 City Council Presentation Slides

 Promenade Tree Update Pt. II (Posted April 22, 2026)

It is acknowledged that the community has expressed significant concern regarding the decision earlier this week to remove trees along the Promenade. The City recognizes the impact of this action and the importance of clearly communicating the basis for the decision, as well as the path forward.

The tree removals were undertaken due to identified safety concerns related to risks to life and property. Based on available information at the time, the City determined that immediate action was necessary to mitigate those risks. The decision was made under time constraints and reflects a prioritization of public safety.

Fallen Tree

To address questions raised by the community, the City has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below. This section is intended to provide additional detail regarding the events leading up to the decision, the factors considered, and the actions taken.

In parallel, the City has developed an updated tree replacement plan. This plan reflects current site conditions, long term design objectives, and the goal of restoring and enhancing the character of the Promenade.

Forest Ave Construction Redesign Illustrative 4.22.26

Click Here for Enlarged Image of Revised Tree Plan

The replacement plan includes the installation of new trees in the coming month. Species selection includes eucalyptus and oak, chosen based on site compatibility, resilience, and contribution to the overall landscape design.

Euc TreesOak Tree

The City will continue to refine the planting approach to ensure that the final condition of the Promenade meets community expectations for quality, aesthetics, and usability.

Additional information will be presented at the April 28, 2026 City Council meeting, including:

  • The basis for the decision to remove the trees
  • The timing and circumstances that required immediate action
  • The plan for replacement and long term improvements to the Promenade

The City encourages community members to attend the meeting or review the materials that will be made available following the presentation.

Further updates will be provided as implementation of the replacement plan proceeds.

Why were the trees removed?
Why did this happen so quickly / overnight?
Were the trees healthy? “They looked fine.”
What exactly was wrong with the trees?
Did the Promenade project cause this?
How many trees were affected?
Why removes instead of saved or reinforced?
Why not remove fewer trees?
What will replace the removed trees?
How will the new trees be different?
How long will it take for the trees to grow back?
Why plant eucalyptus again?
Will the remaining trees be safe?

Promenade Trees (Posted April 21, 2026)

Following the unexpected failure of a mature eucalyptus tree within the Promenade project area, further investigation by two independent arborists found that nine additional trees present safety risks due to compromised root systems caused by past damage, decay, and improper growing conditions. Based on these findings, and in accordance with City policy, the trees were removed immediately to protect public safety and reduce liability. Plans are in place to replace the removed trees with properly planted specimens while retaining seven older viable trees. Below is key information related to the Promenade Trees:

The City hosted an urgent Town Hall meeting on April 20, 2026, to share findings, explain next steps, and answer community questions.

A video recording of the meeting is now available below:

Below is a high-level look at what has been done and what is to come in the next few weeks.

Completed to Date:

  • Asphalt Removal
  • Phase I Sidewalk removal
  • Tree Removal
  • Establishment of Tree Protection Zones (TPZ)

Upcoming Work:

  • Storm Drain System Construction
  • Water line installation
  • Silva Cell (Water Quality BMP) Installation

History and Background

Timeline

Approved Design by Planning Commission

The Planning Commission’s approved design is here, and the approved resolution is here.

Promenade on Forest Key Features:

• Removal of existing curb and gutter
• Addition of linear trench drains
• Addition of permeable surfaces and brick pavers 
• Landscaped gardens consisting of shrubs, vining plants, and groundcover, to include flowering plants for added color
• Areas for seating and dining
• Designated areas for temporary performances
• Wider storefront walkways
• New tree plantings
• Drainage system